Senior noncommissioned officers and other airmen at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, participated in a community outreach event at the Roadrunner Food Bank to help local people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The base's senior enlisted association, which calls itself TKT3 — short for Team Kirtland Top 3 — has been volunteering at Albuquerque food bank for almost two years. This June 19 event had 80 volunteers putting in 160 work hours across three shifts.
"The purpose of the event is to bring Team Kirtland together to show unity and support for our local community," Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew L. Coburn, munitions systems program manager for the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and TKT3 member, said. "By volunteering with Roadrunner Food Bank, Team Kirtland is able to provide critical support in this extremely vital time of need within the local community."
TKT3, composed of members of the top three enlisted ranks — master sergeant, senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant — participates in various events quarterly that allow airmen across the base to enhance their professional development while supporting the local community.
Volunteer activities for this event included packaging food for delivery to local churches, schools, food pantries and more. Those duties involved sorting through fresh produce, bagging popcorn and providing support as needed in the factory.
"It feels good to help out," Air Force Staff Sgt. Sydney Y. Hulme, aircrew flight equipment journeyman with the 58th Operations Support Squadron, said. "It really shows the community that Team Kirtland is here for them and can give a helping hand when needed."